BSC CYBER SECURITY

Join UCLan’s BSc in Cyber Security and combine your passion for programming, computer networks, and security to become a skilled professional in this rapidly growing field. With cyber threats increasing daily, the demand for experts to protect sensitive data and systems has never been higher.

Program Structure

This 3-year degree is designed to provide you with the knowledge and skills to understand cyber threats and build secure systems that meet industry standards. You’ll learn how to identify vulnerabilities, understand attack methods, and protect systems from malicious threats. Key features of the course include:

  • Practical Experience: Participate in the ‘Computing Challenge’, where you’ll work in teams to design and develop a new app, simulating real-world challenges in a supportive, competitive environment.
  • Industry-Standard Tools: Gain hands-on experience with specialist forensic software, including tools used by police and investigators, such as password cracking and data recovery software.
  • Research Excellence: Learn from the Laboratory of Security and Forensic Research in Computing, a hub for internationally recognized security and forensic research.
Year 1

CO1007: The Computing Challenge

This module aims to provide a learning environment emphasising on discovery and teamwork. You’ll learn an overview of key practical aspects of computing. You will also begin the development of problem-solving skills relevant to computing professionals. The module aims to develop skills in usability and interface design and evaluation.

CO1008: Introduction to Networking

Networks are a key part of most computer systems. This module will introduce you to the fundamentals of networking and networked systems. You’ll develop the understanding you need to investigate relevant computer network standards and protocols.

CO1409: Programming

This module will develop your ability to analyse a simple problem with a view to implementing a software solution. You will be provided with core skills in computer programming and debugging necessary to implement a readable and maintainable solution to a given problem. You will develop your software design skills and you’ll be introduced to advanced programming techniques in preparation for study of an advanced programming module.

CO1508: Computer Systems and Security

In this module you’ll explore the fundamentals of computer architecture and operating systems, exploring the nature and consequences of security threats and data breaches, as well as countermeasures. You’ll examine the legal, ethical and privacy issues associated with collected data and discuss issues arising with emerging technologies such as smart cities, smart vehicles, the Internet of Things (IoT) and online shopping.

CO1605: Systems Analysis and Database Design

Within an interactive and stimulating learning environment, you will work in teams to discuss and explore a variety of systems. This will develop an in-depth understanding and the practicalities of database design and implementation which you can add to your programming skillset.

CO1707: Web Technologies

On this module you’ll develop an awareness of modern web technologies and the future scope of the web. You’ll explore a range of security concerns when deploying web-based applications. You’ll develop an understanding of the structure of different web technologies and you’ll investigate the contexts in which web technologies are developed and applied.

CO2402: Advanced Programming

The aim of this module is to develop your ability to solve typical industrial problems. You’ll understand how to use algorithms and data in solving problems and how these can be presented using Windows and Unix.

CO2007: The Agile Professional

This module develops project leadership skills required by computer practitioners. The module explores working in an Agile way on a course-specific group project. You will reinforce your understanding of social, professional, ethical and legal aspects of Computing. The module will prepare you for your final year project by introducing teamwork, project planning and investigation skills.

CO2528: Cyber Security

On this module you will examine a range of vulnerabilities and attacks on computer systems and networks. You’ll instil a vigilant attitude towards potential system weaknesses and develop an understanding of methods for protecting communication and computer systems. You will be encouraged to take a systematic approach to computer security and you’ll integrate your skills by tackling the complex problem of system security.

CO2517: Digital Evidence and Incident Response

This module aims to enhance your understanding of computer hardware and develop your skills in planning subject to incident response You’ll develop skills necessary for dead-box/live acquisition of evidence and make you aware of legal and ethical issues surrounding evidence handling.

CO2010: Information Security Management

This module will introduce you to information security, risk management and assessment standards. You will learn to select and use applicable standards and methods for information security and risk management. You will also compare and evaluate alternative information security management, risk assessment, and security assurance methods. You’ll design and develop a security assurance, governance and risk management strategy considering and following the stakeholders’ requirements.

 

CO2516: Network Management

This module will introduce you to IT systems management practices and principles. You’ll start learning the basics of single operating systems and later move onto large-scale systems.

CO3410: Secure Software and Malware Analysis

During this module you’ll learn about the knowledge and methods for malware classification, analysis and detection. Gain skills to write, test, debug programs in high and low-level languages and scripts as well as to design, implement and analyse algorithms using software tools.

CO3517: Penetration Testing

This module aims to raise your awareness of the need for penetration testing, providing you with the experience of testing a network’s security both internally and externally. You’ll develop an understanding of the legal and ethical issues concerning penetration testing and be encouraged to expand your knowledge about network security from published research materials and to conduct independent investigations into network security related areas.

CO3520: Advanced Cyber Security

This module aims to introduce advanced theories and methodologies in cyber defence and security that enable what is achievable in that regard through the use of security technologies, big data architectures and security policies in IT systems.

CO3008: Honours Degree Project

On this module you will research, study and produce a report based on the investigation of a problem and the development of a solution. This project will be the culmination of the your study and will draw on the material and skills developed during the course.

Choose One module from:

 

CO3006: Wireless and Mobile Networks

This module focuses on mobile and wireless network systems, covering both the theory and practice of their use. The module will provide you with hands-on experience in the set-up, configuration and testing of Wireless Network. You’ll develop an understanding of how wireless and mobile technologies can be applied in both business and home environments.

CO3007: Cloud Computing

This module aims to introduce the fundamental concept of Cloud storage and computing services. In addition, the module will cover different models and architecture of Cloud services, as well as the security, privacy and accountability problems in this context.

By the end of the course, you’ll be equipped to:

  • Design and implement secure systems.
  • Understand and defend against hacking and cyber threats.
  • Work with cutting-edge tools and technologies in cybersecurity and forensics.
  • Cyber Security Analyst
  • Penetration Tester
  • Network Security Engineer
  • Digital Forensics Investigator
  • Information Security Consultant

Prepare yourself for an exciting and rewarding career in the high-demand field of cybersecurity.

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